C28 Steering and Autopilot Issue

[pdwrightmd]

Recently my AutoPilot began displaying a "connection to controller not found" error, rendering it unusable. At about the same time, I have started to notice difficulty with my steering. At times this has been overexaggerated inputs needed for small changes to then suddenly have a large change in direction. However, I also had an incident where the rudder did not respond at all to steering changes - luckily this lasted only briefly, but raised my concern. On that same trip I also had the boat make a sudden sharp turn to the left without steering input telling it to do so. I am concerned this is somehow related to the autopilot. Any thoughts on both theses issues. Are they related? I checked my rudder movement when at the slip, and she turned appropriately to commands. However, after reviewing other steering posts, I am not sure I ever receive a "stop" from the helm steering wheel when the rudder is fully deflected. I'd appreciate any thoughts - not sure if I need to talk to Garmin, Cutwater, both, or someone else!
Thanks,
Pete Wright
PS Unfortunately my boat is in Florida, but I am in Kentucky - so won't be able to check out any recommendations until my next visit - hopefully in June.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

there are a bunch of posts on here about steering weirdness especially the difficulty of steering caused by either low fluid or a failing switch and cable routing on the controller. this sounds similar.

on the "controller not found" front; Ive had this once before when I started the controller while already underway. I now always switch autopilot and chartplotter on at the same time when I get down to the boat before starting the engine. I dont think it matters but the habit didnt seem like a bad thing. it may not be the cause of my issue but NMEA networks are relatively complex and with different software versions on each device perhaps there was as bug somewhere. (reminds me I need to update my software on all devices)

 

[pdwrightmd]

thanks! I will try the startup first and also make sure my software is up to date. Appreciate the advice!

 

[Kevin Lamont]

Recently my AutoPilot began displaying a "connection to controller not found" error, rendering it unusable. At about the same time, I have started to notice difficulty with my steering. At times this has been overexaggerated inputs needed for small changes to then suddenly have a large change in direction. However, I also had an incident where the rudder did not respond at all to steering changes - luckily this lasted only briefly, but raised my concern. On that same trip I also had the boat make a sudden sharp turn to the left without steering input telling it to do so. I am concerned this is somehow related to the autopilot. Any thoughts on both theses issues. Are they related? I checked my rudder movement when at the slip, and she turned appropriately to commands. However, after reviewing other steering posts, I am not sure I ever receive a "stop" from the helm steering wheel when the rudder is fully deflected. I'd appreciate any thoughts - not sure if I need to talk to Garmin, Cutwater, both, or someone else!
Thanks,
Pete Wright
PS Unfortunately my boat is in Florida, but I am in Kentucky - so won't be able to check out any recommendations until my next visit - hopefully in June.

Pete,

I would check a few things here:

Current Garmin software is up to date
Connections at the AP pump module, which is right next to the AP pump
Fluid level at helm and AFT helm if equipped

Also we have been told by Garmin to make sure you shut everything down including the AP controller as it needs to be powered down and back on to reset systems. Let me know what you find and your always welcome to email direct.

Thank you,

 

[Cutwater28GG]

what is the appropriate steps to check the oil in the system? can I just unscrew the little cap on the helm wheel? is there a dipstick/measure anywhere?

 

[trailertrawlerkismet]

When you had the sudden sharp turn was the auto pilot on and engaged? If so was the boat near any large metal, such as a lock, bridge, etc? If so the magnetism can create the occurrence you described. This happened to us once, coming into a lock on the Mississippi River….almost rammed the lock wall. This may not be your situation but please let us know the solution so we can all learn something.

Jim Favors

 

[Crewdog]

Part of this sounds eerily similar to what was happening to us a couple years ago.

Ended up having to replace autopilot hydraulic pump and have system bled at Garmin authorized service dealer.

there's specialized gear to bleed the hydraulic steering and pump.

Might want to look up and chat with a Garmin Service near where your boat is.

 

[BB marine]

There seems to be a few things going on. An update may be needed. A complete power down also. This is done by turning power off at autopilot and also power off to N2K back bone. The easiest way to do this is to turn house battery switch to off when you are at the dock. If you are navigating you must find the power source for the N2K. If your steering issues are experienced with the auto pilot on, no steering reaction when turning the wheel, your shadow drive may not be working or the sensitivity may need to be adjusted. If the steering makes abrupt adjustments it could be as Jim stated a metal interruption, a course correction, or a issue with the Garmin equipment. My opinion is that Garmin has good technician service. Have has much information as possible and call them for assistance ( very knowledgeable and helpful). If your issues are with auto pilot off you may have air in the system from a leak in the system. Inspect connections at helm, shadow drive, pump, and cylinder. all with the exception of the cylinder are easy to access. Also check the fluid level in the helm. A good check for air in the system, confirm you have a lock to lock when turning the wheel. Turn to port until you feel a positive lock, then turn to starboard until you feel a positive lock. Do this a few times counting turns to confirm the number of turns stays consistent. If it locks consistently you probably do not have air in the system. If it feels spongy and inconsistent probably air in the system. If the system seems air free then I would talk to Garmin about the Auto pilot pump there have been many issues with the pump and improper installation of fittings to the pump.

 

[quinsky]

Where is the shadow drive located on the C28? Recently when I try to adjust course to port by a few degrees using AP it makes a huge abrupt turn. I've done a lot of work behind the helm and wonder if I've disturbed the shadow drive. Its suppose to be mounted horizontally. I don't see it behind the helm station.

 

[Cutwater28GG]

mine is on the bulk head in the starboard stern locker

 

[BB marine]

The shadow drive was mounted in the starboard aft compartment very close to the pump ( C26 ). It is supposed to be mounted as close to the helm as possible. The further away from the helm less sensitive it is to activating properly. The first year we had our 2016 C26 shadow drive didn't work at all. I worked with Garmin after the dealer and Cutwater could not resolve the Shadow Drive and other autopilot issues we had when we took delivery. Garmin had me relocate the pump and shadow drive has far apart from each other as I could with out replacing all the hydraulic lines. With these moves and the sensitivity set at 85% the shadow drive now works. Garmin said it needs to be installed close to the helm. It would work better and I could fine tune the sensitivity. You will easily see the shadow drive, small cylinder shaped solenoid 2 wires coming off of it, mounted inline with hydraulic line.